Carrying placards with inscriptions, such as “Inland stone must be relocated now” and “The quarry has to go for us to live”, among others, the residents gathered on the road as early as 8am, singing various songs.

They said the quarry’s operations expose them to health hazards and urged Governor Kayode Fayemi to intervene.

Chairman of the Landlords’ Association Mr. Jide Ogunluyi said: “This is not a situation a human being should try to endure. It exposes us to various health hazards. Its vibratory impact is weakening the foundation of our homes and emission from the factory is affecting our health.

“The management of the quarry failed to observe safety standards. They did not comply with the 450 metres distance to the residential area as stipulated by the authorities.”

Ogunluyi urged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, the National Environmental Standard and Regulatory Agency (NESREA) and the House of Assembly to stop operations at the quarry.

A resident of Ayewa Community, which is also close to the quarry, Mr. Amuda Damilola, also complained of the company’s operations.

Both communities insisted on the quarry’s relocation.

Prof. Victor Adeloye and Mrs. Mopelola Owoeye, both residents of Obasanjo Estate, alleged that the management of the quarry did not present the true picture of the environment to the government when it obtained an operating license from the ousted administration of Mr. Segun Oni.

The quarry manager, simply identified as Mr. Omotoso, dismissed the allegation that he lied about the company’s location.

He said: “We only blast once in a month or six weeks, so this constant agitation is a personal animosity against me. The place where we operate is more than 500 metres from the estate, instead of the between 350 to 400 metres required.

“We pay over N1 million salary to workers monthly and we are planning to employ more as we expand. I do not know why they are bent on forcing us to close shop, not minding the economic implications of such an action to the state.”